White Tea:

Not only is white tea high in antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals that accelerate aging, it also increases collagen in the skin, helping it maintain a supple, youthful glow.

Origins offers a line of Silver Needle White Tea based products called “A Perfect World.” According to the cosmetic company’s website, Chinese emperors of the Song Dynasty enjoyed white tea’s exquisite taste and fragrant, flowery aroma. This magic drink was prized for relieving fatigue, delighting the soul, strengthening the will and enhancing vision. Many claimed it was an important ingredient in the elixir of immortality. Today white tea is used in skin therapy – its antioxidant powers help skin look younger. The line includes facial treatments such as an antioxidant moisturizer and a firming moisture eye treatment as well as body moisturizers and cleansers.

Another skin care line, pūr~lisse (French for pure and smooth) allows “time-tested Chinese beauty rituals to embrace today’s French skin know-how for an inspirational marriage of nature and science.”  The line incorporates Art of Tea’s Organic White Tea, the most sought after white tea, only harvested for a few days each year in the northern district of Fujian, China. Packed with antioxidants, these silvery down-covered leaves have been prized for their medicinal properties for more than 1000 years.  Their pūr~delicate gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover is a blend of Soy Milk, Soy Proteins, Oatmeal and White Tea.

Treat yourself and incorporate some white tea into your beauty ritual!

The cold and flu season (both swine and the old school variety) is upon us. While the flu shot is a viable option for preventing infection, there are also simple, everyday, natural methods of avoiding using up your sick days.
Because your mouth/throat is one of the main portals of entry – the other is your nose – Dr. Vinay Goyal, an Intensivist and Thyroid specialist, recommends drinking tea and other warm liquids as much as possible. According to Dr. Goyal, drinking tea washes off proliferating viruses from the throat and into the stomach where they cannot survive.
Green tea is especially effective at preventing the flu thanks to its high catechin percentage, which helps prevent infection and inhibits viruses’ growth and reproduction.
Catechins are flavonoid compounds that appear predominantly in green tea. According to an article in WholeHealthMD.com, green tea has about 27 percent catechins, oolong tea (partially oxidized) has about 23 percent, and black tea (oxidized) clocks in at approximately four percent.
While the flu vaccine protects against that year’s most prevalent flu type, catechins can protect against many different types of the flu virus.
Gargling twice a day with warm salt water is another great, natural way to prevent swine flu. Interestingly enough, a 2006 medical study conducted at the University of Shizuoka in Shizuoka, Japan found that gargling with tea catechin extracts reduced flu infection rates by 87 percent.
The study divided 124 elderly residents into two groups; one gargled three times a day with a solution that contained tea catechin extract, the other with a catechin-free solution. The tea catechin group had a 1.3 percent infection rate while the control group had a 10.0 percent infection rate.
Harness the power of tea! Don’t underestimate these simple, inexpensive, and natural preventative methods – your body will thank you for it.

Researchers have reviewed new findings on the possible health benefits of tea. Now, the caffeine in tea known as theanine is linked to improve human attention and focus.

Dr John Foxe, Ph.D., Professor of Neuro Science, Biology and Psychology at City College of New York has presented results of his experiment in which he made human trials to study the effect of theanine on the alpha brain-wave activity. Theanine is an amino acid which is almost exclusively found in the tea plant. The alpha brain rhythm is known to induce a calmer, yet more alert, state of mind.
During the experiment, the participants are made to drink solutions containing either 250mg theanine or placebo and later their brain activity was monitored using electrophysiological measures. Speaking about the observations during the study Dr. Foxe says, “Our results showed that after having theanine, individuals showed significant improvements in tests for attention and that activity in cortical regions responsible for attention functions was enhanced.”
Having mentioned that theanine is almost exclusively found in the tea plant, it is interesting to note that the studies do have a basis, looking at the fact that variants of tea such as herbal tea and the advantages of tea in terms of being rich in antioxidants are being stressed upon and are being promoted as health drinks across the globe.
Moving further on the research conducted by Dr. Foxe, his new research in the Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory at Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, NY, additionally proposes that the effect of theanine is far greater in combination with caffeine than the effect that caffeine and theanine have individually. The combination promises higher improvement in attention than that would be induced by either alone. They say that theanine may work synergistically with caffeine to help induce a calmer, relaxed state but also one that allows the mind to concentrate and focus on tasks better. A regular cup of tea contains approximately 20 – 25mg of theanine.
Dr. Foxe concludes, “We have seen that just 20 minutes after consuming theanine, the blood concentrations increase and the brain’s alpha waves are impacted. It lasts about three to four hours, which we have speculated may be why people tend to drink a cup of tea every three-to-four hours during the day.”

In 2008 Professor Lizette Joubert of the Agricultural Research Council and Professor Wentzel Gelderblom of the Medical Research Council, along with two more collaborators published an overview of existing knowledge about the history, cultivation, traditional uses, composition and biological activity of Rooibos and other South African herbal teas.

Here, in a nutshell are the top 10 reasons to enjoy a cup of Organic Fair Trade Rooibos, sans scientific jargon (well, maybe just a little jargon, it helps us sound credible):

1. Rooibos (or Aspalathus linearis) contains a complex mix of many flavonoids, which, contrary to the sound of their name, are not an intergalactic race of alien beings from Star Trek episode 39. These compounds widely found in plants are known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic effects.

2. Aspalathin, one of the major flavonoids, is often the most active antioxidant in Rooibos, helping scavenge free radicals and protect cells and lipids (fats) against oxidative damage. Of course you could always read a Weight Loss and Happiness Book.

3. Rooibos also contains the rare flavonoid glucoside nothofagin. 10 points and a digital gold star to the one who can research the amazing health properties behind that one.

4. Rooibos does not contain caffeine, which means you get to enjoy your cup of anti-bacterial/viral/tumor/inflammatory/allergy tea without getting the jitters.

5. The major flavonoids in Rooibos demonstrate anti-mutagenic properties that help prevent or slow down cancer. In some studies green (unfermented) Rooibos is a more potent antimutagenic agent, while other studies found that fermented Rooibos has a higher antimutagenic effect.

6. The antioxidants in Rooibos protect the liver against oxidative stress and could have value for liver patients.

7. Studies on Japanese quails have shown that Rooibos protects blood cells and exhibits anti-ageing properties that slow down brain degeneration and prolong fertility – if it works for quails….

8. The bronchodilatory, antispasmodic, and blood pressure lowering effects of Rooibos, and its potential to stimulate the immune system, has been shown in some studies, but needs to be further explored – we’ll do our best to keep you updated on that one.

9. Put your tube of Goldbond on the back burner and brew a cup of Rooibos instead – human studies have shown that taking Rooibos is an effective way to treat several skin conditions. It decreased the incidence of herpes simplex within a few days, helped for itching associated with dermatitis, and reduced skin inflammation and sun sensitivity.

10. Honestly, it’s just fun to say.

A few months back the Tea Council of USA awarded 26 year old Los Angeles based film student John Ford $20,000 for this fun video on the health benefits of tea. Out of  700 student entries that’s quite a feat!  Click here to read about it or check out the video. Congrats John!

Spring is right around the corner – at least that’s what the morning talk shows and colorful window displays would have you believe.  The sad reality is that most of the country is still enjoying temperatures in the 30’s, and if you live in Boston like I do, you’re still being subjected to “wintry mixes,” which is the weatherman’s poetic way of saying it will rain/sleet/snow and then rain again, all within a two-hour time period.

There is hope. As the winter wraps up (fingers crossed) both our bodies and our minds could use a good, healthy detox. Epicurious.com offers a wide variety of tea-based recipes that will help us all get our healthy on.

I thought I’d try Brian Preston-Campbell’s recipe for “Liquid Iron,” from his book, Cool Waters: 50 Refreshing, Healthy Homemade Thirst-Quenchers

I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the name of the drink, but when I learned that cooking leafy green vegetables drains them of the powerhouse combo of iron and calcium, I was sold.  I prefer to enjoy my nutrients in their pure, unadulterated form – no wimpy greens for me, no sir.

The description of the beverage was equally appealing. Brian ensured me that the preparation of the drink would impart “an earthy green flavor that you will surely enjoy.”
Cheers to that.

The list of ingredients was simple (and a bit reminiscent of one of my favorite snacks, Veggie Booty) :

* 2 stalks red Swiss chard, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped spinach leaves
* 1/4 cup chopped purple kale
* 1 teaspoon loose sencha green tea leaves
* 6 cups still water

I picked up the ingredients on my last trip to the grocery store, carrying them home in my eco-friendly reusable shopping bags while tromping home through a charming wintry mix.

Once home I followed the directions; blending the chard, spinach, kale, and tea leaves with one cup of the water.  Easy enough.  The result was visually disconcerting but looked very, very healthy. I strained the mixture to extract the juice, added the remaining five cups of water, and poured my beverage into a large wine glass over ice (never underestimate presentation – if I had a cocktail umbrella I would have added it too.)

I cautiously took my first sip and found the “earthy green flavor” to be pleasant and subdued.  Maybe it was all in my head but with each subsequent sip I found myself feeling stronger and healthier.  Now if I could just do something about this weather.

Meet Melissa Fielding, Spa Consultant at Creative Spa Concepts.  Melissa works on various spa projects throughout the world.  When she started in the spa industry tea became a small passion of hers.  We spent some time with Melissa getting her advice and feedback on integrating tea with spa programs.

Q: How did you get involved with the spa industry?

A: “My background is mainly in food and beverage.  When I entered into the spa world I noticed that a lot of spas were forgetting to include the food and beverage area as part of the concept and experience.  Tea is an easy affordable way to enhance the area.”

Q: So Melissa what are your top health tips with tea you recommend to your clients Condé Nast spas?
A:Here are my 5 detox and health tips
1.)     Tea is a great source of antioxidants
2.)     Tea is a wonderful appetite appeaser
3.)    The caffeine in tea is much healthier then the caffeine found in other beverages
4.)    Tea can help calm the mind and body after a stressful day
5.)    Tea is not only healthy when you drink it but also has benefits when used in face creams, body lotions, scrubs and wraps.

Q: Discuss the making of their custom Qua Tea Blend at Qua Bath and Spa Caesars Palace Bath.
A: When I was working as the Spa manager at Qua Baths and Spa, Art of Tea and I worked closely together to create the perfect signature blend.  We took all aspects of the spa into consideration, the concept of the spa, the size, the guest experience, the menu of services and the space available.  After looking at all of those aspects, Steve Schwartz, CEO of Art of Tea and I talked about what I wanted the signature blend to taste like. It was important to me that the tea could be served hot or cold and the flavor was so good that it would leave an impression with the guest.  Steve then sent various samples to us and I did tasting with myself and my management team.  I had everyone rate each tea based on look of the loose leaf, smell of the liquor and dry leaf, and most importantly the taste.  After I received the results I went back to Steve and we took the best of all blends to and created the Qua Signature Blend.

Q: What are your core concepts that you would recommend to people wanting to get into or more out of the spa and health industry?

A: As a global spa consultant I believe that serving tea in a spa is a must.  I believe that spa is a sensory experience and you must entice all 5 of your guests’ senses.  Tea is the perfect way to reach your guests sense of taste and smell.  A properly executed tea program can help you stand out in a unique way among the hundreds of spas.  Don’t be afraid to try something completely new and interesting with your tea program.  Have fun with the program and your guests will too.

Here is a great little recipe we adapted from Epicurious.com
Ingredients:
•    3 cups of water
•    2 1/2 tablespoons fine-quality Green Kukicha
•    3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar or 1 cup of Agave Syrup
Preperation:
In a small saucepan bring water to a boil. Add kukicha and remove pan from heat. Cover pan and steep tea 5 minutes. Add sugar or agave, stirring until dissolved, and strain tea through a fine sieve into a bowl. Chill tea, covered, until cold and freeze in an ice-cream maker. Sorbet may be made 1 week ahead.
Notes:
Yield: Makes about 3 cups

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Share your feedback on making this recipe.

Working on goal setting with our team is always invigorating and motivating for me. The first five minutes of our group meetings are usually a bit sluggish but after everyone warms up we generate ideas that are shared and passed around the room in a proactive dialogue.  Our group voices concerns and new concepts regarding organic teas, the direction of organic beverages, and organic botanicals.
In these meetings it becomes clear that there are specific issues regarding organic teas that need to be solved on a company level as well as on a global level.  How can we make an impact with loose-leaf tea and organic bagged teas? Do our customers feel a difference if they are making an impression on a Tea Growers life? How can we measure a sustainable tea projects success?
The problem, of course, is turning a question into an answer. It’s easy to state a goal but to create movement, change, and results one must follow through with action like incorporating a new tea to a line or choosing between an organic tea or non-organic tea. When Art of Tea was born we took a look at the whole picture.  If we feel that a product won’t create a remarkable lasting impression it doesn’t leave the warehouse. Roughly 10% of the new blends we create make it to our list each year, if it doesn’t hold up in our blending facility than it won’t go out to our dedicated customers. We test out new teas and we are truly grateful for the honest and open feedback our loyal customers provide us based on the samples they receive in their orders. Through your thoughts and comments we continue to grow and fulfill our company goals and meet our customers demands to add more organics to the list. We experience a full sensory experience based on solid ethics and quality care.
We made a clear choice that our core product line would be organic and we intend to continue to grow as we plug on through the continuous certification process. We create our organic teas and organic herbal blends based on taste, quality, organic origins, and overall benefits…a tea or tisane (herbal) that you can go back to time and again.